throwfromthewoods
Double Eagle Member
The past couple seasons have found me searching for a shoe that fits my style and athleticism. Being that I grew up playing tennis, soccer, racquetball, etc. as well as MMA and martial arts (where footwear isn't an option), watching other players wear high-ankle boots and other outdoor-style footwear made me cringe. I could never imagine clunking around in them, let alone X-stepping and getting my body to move right with them. So I adopted running sneakers for awhile, moved onto Merrell Chameleons, even tried my indoor soccer shoes.
I slowly, and stubbornly, came around to the acceptance that they didn't offer the support I needed. My past experiences were all about speed, movement, and flexibility. Disc golf needed more precise control, traction, and support. Not to mention, ever since my wife got pregnant 2 years ago I've been putting on weight my legs and feet are not used to. But I also wasn't ready to wrap Wolverines onto my feet.
A year ago, I never would have looked at the Kopecs. Not only because of the style, but because everyone I spoke to basically said it's Vibram soles or nothing. Once my son was born, my playing time dropped significantly. So I saw the Kopecs, thought they fit a lot of what I wanted (breathable, not too high, cushioned sole) and also what I needed (more support, grippy undersoles, rugged). I bit the bullet, even without a Vibram sole.
I've been using them for about 4 months now. Roughly twice a week. The soles still look new. I'm also not a real power driver off the tee, so take from that what you will. But these are incredibly comfortable shoes; I barely feel them even though they are a more rugged outdoor shoe. There is some serious arch support in there, and air pockets under the inner sole.
This isn't an in-depth review by any stretch. I'm not a connoisseur of the shoe world. I just know that I love this shoe. And I did not want anyone to overlook it simply for the lack of a Vibram sole (plus, everyone knows Merrell has amazing customer service and would replace these shoes even if you managed to destroy them in 6 months). And if the style and features look like they suit your needs, definitely give them a look.
I slowly, and stubbornly, came around to the acceptance that they didn't offer the support I needed. My past experiences were all about speed, movement, and flexibility. Disc golf needed more precise control, traction, and support. Not to mention, ever since my wife got pregnant 2 years ago I've been putting on weight my legs and feet are not used to. But I also wasn't ready to wrap Wolverines onto my feet.
A year ago, I never would have looked at the Kopecs. Not only because of the style, but because everyone I spoke to basically said it's Vibram soles or nothing. Once my son was born, my playing time dropped significantly. So I saw the Kopecs, thought they fit a lot of what I wanted (breathable, not too high, cushioned sole) and also what I needed (more support, grippy undersoles, rugged). I bit the bullet, even without a Vibram sole.
I've been using them for about 4 months now. Roughly twice a week. The soles still look new. I'm also not a real power driver off the tee, so take from that what you will. But these are incredibly comfortable shoes; I barely feel them even though they are a more rugged outdoor shoe. There is some serious arch support in there, and air pockets under the inner sole.
This isn't an in-depth review by any stretch. I'm not a connoisseur of the shoe world. I just know that I love this shoe. And I did not want anyone to overlook it simply for the lack of a Vibram sole (plus, everyone knows Merrell has amazing customer service and would replace these shoes even if you managed to destroy them in 6 months). And if the style and features look like they suit your needs, definitely give them a look.
